Do you ever feel anxious when you miss a workout or guilty for not pushing yourself hard enough? Many of us face immense pressure—from ourselves and society—to achieve a certain look through exercise. I used to measure my worth by how I looked in the mirror after a workout. But through my journey, I discovered a profound shift: exercise isn't just about how we look, but about how we feel and the love we show our bodies.
98% of girls feel there is an immense pressure from external sources to look a certain way.
The pressure we feel and put on ourselves can send us down a negative slope when it comes to our relationship with movement. We start to move to feel good enough, rather than move because we are good enough.
Each day I meet so many women who come into the studio with a critical and judgmental attitude towards the way they look. The intention behind their training is to change how they look, hoping that once they change their bodies, they will feel confident in their skin.
I used to believe that changing my body would bring me happiness and confidence. However, I realized that true fulfillment comes from accepting and loving myself as I am. This realization was gradual—it came from reflecting on how my exercise habits were tied to external validation rather than intrinsic motivation. Instead of viewing workouts as a means to achieve a certain body type, I began to approach exercise as a way to honor my body’s capabilities and nurture my overall well-being. This shift allowed me to appreciate exercise for the joy it brings and the positive impact it has on my mental and physical health. By focusing on self-love rather than external appearance, I’ve discovered a deeper sense of fulfillment in my fitness journey.
I wish more women knew that it actually works the other way around. We have to accept and love our bodies first - and then the movement we do becomes more joyful and ultimately, more effective.
Change your thoughts about movement
Transforming your relationship with exercise begins with changing how you think about movement. Instead of viewing exercise as a punishment or a means to achieve a specific body type, shift your mindset to see it as a celebration of what your body can do. Recognize that movement is a privilege that allows you to feel strong, vibrant, and connected to your body. By embracing this perspective, you can turn exercise into a joyful experience that enhances your overall well-being
Use Affirmations to Cultivate Body Acceptance
Affirmations are powerful tools that can help reshape your thoughts and beliefs about your body. Start each day with positive affirmations that reinforce self-love and acceptance. For example, affirmations such as 'I am grateful for my body's strength and resilience' or 'I love and accept myself unconditionally' can shift your focus away from perceived flaws to appreciating your body's inherent worth. Repeat these affirmations regularly, especially before or after exercise, to reinforce a positive mindset and cultivate a deeper sense of body acceptance.
Change Your Intention When You Move: Treating Your Body as Your Home
A helpful thought that I hold close to my heart is that my body is my home. It’s the only one I’ll ever get in this lifetime. It beats my heart for me, it helps me to hug the people I love, smell incredible smells and taste amazing food.
Consider approaching exercise as an act of self-care and nurturing, treating your body as your home. Just as you would care for your living space with love and attention, apply the same intention to how you move. Focus on movements that make you feel good, whether it's gentle stretching, dancing to your favorite music, or practicing yoga. Shift your intention from achieving external goals to honoring your body's needs and promoting its overall health. By viewing exercise as a way to care for and respect your body, you can foster a deeper connection and appreciation for your physical well-being
Moving from a space of self love and self acceptance over hate and insecurity is so powerful. Far more powerful than any calorie you may count or the size of your clothes.
I hope these reminders allow you to redefine your relationship with exercise, remember that true transformation begins from within. By shifting our mindset from self-criticism to self-love, we empower ourselves to embrace joyful movement as a celebration of our body’s strength and resilience. Affirmations and positive thoughts can guide us towards greater body acceptance, reminding us of the inherent worth and beauty within ourselves.
Let us continue to change our intention behind movement, treating our bodies as cherished homes deserving of care and respect.
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Sending love,
Mia xx